CIS Decontamination and Cleaning Processes Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended minimum water temperature for the initial rinse of surgical instruments at the point of use?
- Hot water above 140°F
- Cold or lukewarm water below 110°F (Correct answer)
- Room temperature distilled water
- Boiling water at 212°F
Correct answer: Cold or lukewarm water below 110°F
Cold or lukewarm water below 110°F is recommended for the initial rinse to prevent protein coagulation on instrument surfaces.
The initial rinse at the point of use should use cold or lukewarm water below 110°F (43°C). Higher temperatures cause proteins such as blood and tissue to coagulate and bond to instrument surfaces, making them significantly harder to remove during subsequent cleaning steps.
Question 2: Which cleaning method uses high-frequency sound waves to remove soil from instrument surfaces?
- Mechanical washing
- Ultrasonic cleaning (Correct answer)
- Pasteurization
- Chemical immersion
Correct answer: Ultrasonic cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning uses high-frequency sound waves (typically 35-47 kHz) to create cavitation bubbles that implode and dislodge soil from instrument surfaces.
Ultrasonic cleaners generate high-frequency sound waves that create millions of tiny cavitation bubbles in the cleaning solution. When these bubbles collapse, they produce intense localized energy that dislodges soil from all surfaces, including lumens, joints, and serrations.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of enzymatic detergents in instrument decontamination?
- To sterilize instruments completely
- To break down organic matter such as blood and tissue (Correct answer)
- To lubricate instrument joints
- To neutralize chemical disinfectants
Correct answer: To break down organic matter such as blood and tissue
Enzymatic detergents contain specific enzymes (proteases, lipases, amylases) that break down organic matter such as blood proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Enzymatic detergents are formulated with specific enzymes that target different types of organic soil. Proteases break down proteins, lipases break down fats, and amylases break down starches. They do not sterilize but are essential for effective pre-cleaning.
Question 4: How often should the cleaning solution in an ultrasonic cleaner be changed?
- Once per week
- At least daily or when visibly soiled (Correct answer)
- Every other day
- Only when the machine indicates
Correct answer: At least daily or when visibly soiled
Ultrasonic cleaning solution should be changed at least daily or whenever it becomes visibly soiled to maintain cleaning efficacy.
The cleaning solution in ultrasonic units should be changed at minimum once daily, more frequently during heavy use or when visibly soiled. Dirty solution loses its cleaning effectiveness because cavitation energy is absorbed by suspended debris rather than acting on instrument surfaces.
Question 5: What is the correct order of steps in the decontamination process for surgical instruments?
- Sterilize, rinse, dry, clean
- Pre-rinse, clean, rinse, dry (Correct answer)
- Dry, clean, rinse, inspect
- Clean, sterilize, rinse, package
Correct answer: Pre-rinse, clean, rinse, dry
The correct decontamination sequence is pre-rinse (remove gross soil), clean (manual or mechanical), rinse (remove detergent residue), and dry (prevent water spots and corrosion).
Proper decontamination follows a sequential process: pre-rinse removes gross soil and prevents drying of bioburden; cleaning with appropriate detergent removes remaining soil; rinsing with treated water removes detergent residue; drying prevents water spots, corrosion, and dilution of sterilant.
Question 6: What personal protective equipment is required when manually cleaning contaminated surgical instruments?
- Only latex gloves
- Gloves, fluid-resistant gown, face shield or mask with eye protection (Correct answer)
- Surgical mask and sterile gloves
- Hair cover and shoe covers only
Correct answer: Gloves, fluid-resistant gown, face shield or mask with eye protection
Manual cleaning of contaminated instruments requires heavy-duty utility gloves, a fluid-resistant gown, and face protection to protect against splashes and sharps injuries.
OSHA and AAMI standards require comprehensive PPE during manual instrument cleaning because of the high risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This includes puncture-resistant utility gloves, a fluid-resistant gown or apron, and face protection consisting of a face shield or mask and protective eyewear.
CIS Decontamination and Cleaning Processes Questions and Answers 2
What is the recommended minimum water temperature for the initial rinse of surgical instruments at the point of use?